COVID-19 & Omicron scare prompts Karnataka to ban new year parties and mass gatherings
The Hindu
Restaurants and clubs allowed to cater to customers at 50% of their capacity
Karnataka has banned public celebrations and mass gatherings to mark the new year in the wake of the threat of COVID-19 and Omicron variant of the virus. The restrictions will be enforced from December 30 to January 2 to ensure that new year revelry does not lead to spread of COVID-19 or the Omicron variant of the virus.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting of ministers, officials and experts convened by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in Belagavi on December 21.
The event will run daily from 10 a.m. to 8.30 p.m., offering a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy dance and music performances, hands-on art experiences, film screenings, and exhibitions from 10.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. These will feature folk cuisines, leather puppets, philately, textiles, and handicrafts.